A recent decision by a state Supreme Court judge has allowed the Armoni Inn & Suites, a New York hotel at the center of a migrant-related standoff between Rockland and New York City officials, to reopen to guests after the county had ordered it shut.
While it is a temporary ruling, the decision will affect Rockland’s efforts to prevent New York City from using the hotel to shelter single male asylum seekers who arrived in New York City from the Southern border. However, according to Rockland County Executive Ed Day, the judge ordered that Armoni can operate only as a hotel for normal business and “cannot operate as a shelter as they were intending.”
“Violation of that order could subject Armoni Inn & Suites and the City of New York to contempt of court,” Day said in a statement, emphasizing that the ruling was subject to existing temporary restraining orders.
The parties are expected to reconvene at New City at 2 p.m. on June 14. Currently, it is unclear whether any residents have returned to the Armoni, a 171-room hotel off Route 303. The notice announcing the closure had been removed from the front entrance.
Last month, the county had refused to renew Armoni’s expired operating permit after officials discovered it had let the permit lapse for days before applying for a renewal. However, Armoni’s lawyer, Todd Soloway, did not immediately return a request for comment, and the temporary restraining orders are continuing to prevent New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ plans to shelter migrants at the Orangeburg hotel.
Meanwhile, the town of Orangetown, where the Armoni Inn & Suites is located, is still seeking a permanent injunction. In a separate ruling, Rockland state Supreme Court Judge Thomas Zugibe kept a temporary restraining order in place, ensuring that for now NYC can’t place asylum seekers in the Armoni. However, a federal judge has already begun hearing a lawsuit filed by the New York Civil Liberties Union on behalf of asylum seekers that calls those orders unconstitutional.
In early May, officials in Orangetown were told about Adams’ plan to provide shelter for single male asylum seekers in a local hotel for up to four months. City-funded services would be provided. Soon after, town and county workers observed boxes with PPE and T-shirts that read “supervisor” and “supervisor social worker” being moved into the Armoni. Outside the city, asylum seekers have been moved into hotels in places like Yonkers, Orange County and Albany County. Within New York City, old schools, empty hotels and other facilities are being repurposed to house a swell of migrants landing there, some bused up from the border by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
It is important that the focus remains on safely and legally relocating these asylum seekers and refugees. However, officials must also be transparent and respectful when making such decisions. While we all want to lend a helping hand, the safety and well-being of the residents of our cities and towns must come first. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential burden on local resources and the toll on local communities, as well as worries that criminals and illegal substances could be brought along with the new arrivals.
Many cities across the United States and beyond have already faced these concerns as they grapple with an influx of immigrants and asylum seekers. While it is important to remain compassionate and provide aid to those in need, we must also be vigilant and ensure that our communities are not negatively impacted by large-scale migration waves.
By providing information to the court about why Armoni’s permit was not renewed, Day and county Social Services Commissioner Joan Silvestri hope to make progress in their efforts to prevent the hotel from being used as a migrant shelter. Meanwhile, as federal lawsuits loom, there is a need for local officials to be proactive and work together to find safe and reasonable solutions for both the incoming migrants and the residents in the surrounding areas.
Moving forward, officials must consider all of the potential outcomes and consequences before making swift decisions. While ultimately it is the responsibility of the federal government to implement effective and comprehensive immigration policies, local leaders and communities must find ways to approach the situation with sensitivity and logic.
It is important that everyone understands the complexities of this issue and realizes that there are no simple solutions. While we all want the best for our communities and for those seeking refuge within our borders, we must also consider the resources, logistics, and potential impacts on our citizens. It is possible to meet the needs of everyone involved with respect, compassion, and careful planning.
The ongoing struggles and conflicts related to immigration and asylum are a prime example of the need for comprehensive reform at the national level. The future of our country depends on our ability to manage conflicts and challenges in thoughtful, measured ways. By keeping the needs and concerns of everyone involved at the forefront, we can work together to create sustainable and equitable solutions for all.
Whether at the local, state, or federal level, officials and citizens alike must strive for civility and cooperation in order to address complex social and political issues. Only by working together can we achieve lasting progress and create a better world for ourselves and for generations to come.
Regardless of political alignment or personal beliefs, we must treat each other with respect and kindness as we navigate these fraught issues. By putting aside our differences and working collaboratively, we can achieve great things and make a positive impact on the world around us.
As we move forward, we must keep in mind the golden rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. By approaching the issue of immigration and asylum with respect and compassion, we can create a brighter future for everyone.
No matter what happens in the coming weeks and months, it is important to remember that we are all human beings with the same basic needs and desires. We all want safety, security, and a better life for ourselves and our families. By recognizing this, we can find common ground and work toward a better future for all.